Oliver Kwan, whose flexibility on the Greens Farms Academy baseball field has made him a key cog in the Dragons success over the past three seasons, has committed to play at Wesleyan University next fall.
Kwan was one of 12 Dragon student-athletes feted on Wednesday during the school’s annual Spring College Commitment ceremony held inside the Coyle Gym. Those 12 coupled with eight Dragons who committed during the National Letter of Intent signing period in the fall brings the school’s total to 20 different GFA athletes playing in college come fall.
Kwan, who has played multiple positions in his career and will be the Dragons starting catcher this season, said Wesleyan was the perfect fit.
“I chose Wesleyan because of their open curriculum, nice campus, and because it was relatively close to home, but not too close,” Kwan said. “From an athletic perspective I loved the coach from the conversations we had on my visit, and I really wanted to play in the NESCAC, which is one of the most competitive Division III athletic conferences.”
GFA coach Paul Fabbri, who has sent multiple players to NESCAC schools in his long career coaching in Connecticut, said the league is a great fit for his senior.
“He’s a great kid., a quiet leader, an extremely hard worker and I think Wesleyan is a perfect fit for him,” Fabbri said. “I’ve coached some kids who have gone to NESCAC schools and it’s quality baseball and he’ll fit right in. It’s a great spot for him.”
Fabbri didn’t know what Kwan’s role might be at Wesleyan but knows his flexibility will pay off for the Cardinal.
“He has to catch for us,” Fabbri said. “He’s fashioned himself into a top-flight catcher but he’s versatile so he can do different things, including playing those middle infield spots.”
Wesleyan went 17-19 last season, losing to Bowdoin in the best-of-three NESCAC quarterfinal series.